That has been the fast and furious travel schedule for new University of the Ozarks men’s basketball coach David Ferrell over the past three months. Ferrell, who was named head coach June 26, has wasted little time making a name for himself on the recruiting trail.

In addition to Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri, Ferrell has been to three other states and made recruiting connections in each, including Florida where he vacationed this summer.

“The name of the game is recruiting,” Ferrell said. “It is the highest priority. It was a tough time of the year to recruit when I took the job. Most summer showcases were basically over. But under the circumstances, I think it has gone well.

“We have kids that will really help our program. If we can continue to do what we’ve done this summer, I like our chances in a couple of years.”

For Ferrell, recruiting means more than just getting players that perform well on the court.

“We want kids that fit academically and athletically, and ones that work hard and are self-motivated,” he said. “We have control over what we do in the future with this program. I want players around me that are high-character people and work hard. I tell our players if you are working hard and listen, then I don’t have any problems.”

Ferrell made the jump to the collegiate game after spending the last 21 years as the head boy’s basketball coach at West Fork High School, where he posted a 458-176 (.733) record and made eight trips to the state tournament. He compiled a 510-202 (.716) career record in 24 years as a head coach at the high school level.

Ozarks, which finished 7-18 last season, will need to replace all five starters for the 2013-14 season. While Ferrell is taking the task of rebuilding the team head on this summer, questions will still remain until he is able to work with the team in October.

“I haven’t seen what the returning players can do, so it has been a little bit like walking around in the dark,” Ferrell said. “Last year, the senior class dominated the playing time. But we should know exactly what players we need in year two. It’s just tough to determine who and how we will play at this time.”

Ferrell has used his Arkansas connections, including well-known Little Rock basketball guru Charles Ripley, to land players from around the state. Ripley is just one of countless Arkansas coaches who have provided names of potential players for Ferrell.

Seven of Ferrell’s eight commitments are from Arkansas, and his first class is nearing completion.

The incoming class includes son Josh Ferrell, a 6-foot guard from West Fork; Ricky Scott, a 6-6 forward from Huntsville; Cade Niswonger, a 5-11 guard from Tuckerman; Jesse Crosswhite, a 6-5 forward from Charleston; Raylon Randle, a 5-11 guard from Magnolia; Jamelle Flowers, a 6-1 guard from Canyon, Texas; Dustin Larison, a 6-foot guard from Camden; and Ricky Allen, 5-11 guard from Southern Arkansas University.